Political

Outlook: Homage to California’s Indigenous People

Last week, the world celebrated Indigenous People’s Day.  In 1994, the United Nations designated Aug. 9, as an annual commemoration of the world’s indigenous people as a way to heighten awareness about challenges faced by Native communities worldwide and to inspire global leaders to protect their rights.

Prosecutors Recommend Six-Year Sentence for Ridley-Thomas in Corruption Case 

Federal prosecutors are recommending a six-year prison sentence for former City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, who was convicted of bribery, fraud and conspiracy charges for steering county contracts toward the USC School of Social Work in exchange for the secret funneling of a $100,000 contribution to an organization run by his son, according to court papers filed on August 7. 

Political Playback: News You Might Have Missed – August 3

Four Black Leaders Join Diverse Group of Appointees on Gov. Newsom’s New Racial Equity Commission On July 27, Gov. Newsom announced the appointment of an Executive Director and seven appointees to serve on the state’s first Racial Equity Commission, which is supported by an initial state investment of $3.8 million over the next fiscal year and $3.1 million each year following, through 2030. Created by a 2022 executive order the commission will recommend actions the state can take to “advance racial equity and address structural racism,” according to the governor’s office. The four Black appointees are: Larissa Estes of Walnut

Biden Chooses Shuwanza Goff as His New Legislative Affairs Director

President Joe Biden has tapped Shuwanza Goff — a veteran congressional aide who also served as his main point of contact to the House at the start of the administration — as his new director of legislative affairs, making her the first Black woman to be the White House’s chief emissary to Capitol Hill.

Biden Chooses Shuwanza Goff as His New Legislative Affairs Director

President Joe Biden has tapped Shuwanza Goff — a veteran congressional aide who also served as his main point of contact to the House at the start of the administration — as his new director of legislative affairs, making her the first Black woman to be the White House’s chief emissary to Capitol Hill.

Lawyers Who Defended Affirmative Action Say Fight Isn’t Over 

The Supreme Court’s decision in late June overturning 45 years of precedent that allowed for the consideration of race in college admissions is a big setback for all communities of color, but advocates this is not the end of the fight for diversity in higher education. 

Assessors Guide Legislation to Law; Here’s 3 on Tap 

As you might imagine, the public is often unaware of what exactly county assessors do and do not do. Besides assessing the value of all taxable property in their jurisdiction, among many other responsibilities, assessors commit research, time and effort into making sure legislation, the very laws that affect taxpayers, are complete, accurate and ready to be implemented if approved.